Title: WHO Raises Concerns over Safety of Popular Artificial Sweetener Aspartame
Date: [Insert Date]
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener found in over 6,000 food products, is facing scrutiny over its safety as the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) prepares to release its findings on July 14. According to Reuters, the IARC is expected to declare that aspartame is “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” raising questions about its long-term effects on consumer health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously approved aspartame for use in food products, stating that it is safe for the general population. However, concerns have persisted, with a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients highlighting the challenges in predicting the long-term effects of aspartame usage.
Aspartame, also known as Nutrasweet, Equal, and Sugar Twin, entered the market as a low-calorie sweetener in 1981. Its popularity grew as it became a key ingredient in various food and beverage products across North America, Asia, and Europe. Aspartame is often used as a sugar substitute in products for diabetics and in reduced-sugar or sugar-free snacks, condiments, and beverages.
Common foods and beverages containing aspartame include zero-sugar or diet sodas like Diet Coke, sugar-free gums such as Trident gum, diet drink mixes like Crystal Light, reduced-sugar condiments like Log Cabin Sugar Free Syrup, sugar-free gelatin like Sugar-free Jell-O, and tabletop sweeteners sold under brand names like Equal and Nutrasweet.
While several studies have concluded that aspartame is safe for moderate consumption, some research has linked its usage to an elevated risk of cancer. An observational study conducted in France involving over 100,000 adults found a slight increase in cancer risk among individuals who consumed higher amounts of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame. Adverse effects such as headaches, seizures, and depression have also been attributed to aspartame in certain studies.
Both the FDA and the American Cancer Society continue to declare aspartame safe for human consumption. The Calorie Control Council, an international association representing the low- and reduced-calorie food and beverage industry, has expressed concerns about the IARC’s claims, stating that they contradict decades of scientific research and regulatory approvals.
To ensure accurate information, consumers are advised to check ingredient lists on individual products to confirm whether or not they contain aspartame, as specific sweeteners used in low-sugar products may vary and companies can change ingredients over time.
Considering the FDA’s acceptable daily limit for artificial sweeteners, it would require an adult weighing 150 pounds to consume more than 18 cans of zero-sugar soda per day to experience severe negative health consequences from aspartame.
As the WHO’s IARC prepares to release its findings, the discussions around the safety of aspartame will undoubtedly continue, prompting further scientific research and public debate on the potential risks associated with its usage.